Abundant Life Sermons

God’s pathway to becoming spiritually mature and more Christ-like is through suffering—in other words, “No pain, no gain.” BIBLE VERSE 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 says, “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” From these verses, we learn that God desires to use pain and suffering in our lives for a greater good. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAIN IS A PRIZE. Becoming spiritually mature and being used greatly for God involves suffering deeply. 2 AGENDAS AT WORK WHEN WE SUFFER—GOD’S & SATAN’S God uses suffering for our sanctification. Satan uses suffering for our affliction. God wants to use suffering to… Develop our faith Refine your faith Satan wants to use suffering to…